Dorothy, or Dott as she was better known to her many friends in Tralee, passed away aged only 27 at her home in Virginia last Thursday after a long illness.

Rose of Tralee General Manager Oliver Hurley said everyone involved in the festival was shocked and deeply saddened by the news.

"It was with great sadness that we received the news of the death of Dott Henggler, from Dorothy's family. Everyone who had the pleasure of meeting and knowing Dott will miss her fun, caring and compassionate personality."

"We extend our deepest sympathy to Dott's family and to her fellow Roses and wider Rose of Tralee family, many of whom kept a vigil wherever they were around the world from the moment that she first became ill," said Mr Hurley.

Dott had described her time in Tralee as one of the best experiences of her life and made many close friends in the town with whom she remained in contact long after the 2011 festival came to an end.